Careful What You Wish For

A treasured friend of mine — and an excellent judge — called to talk to me about a post she saw on Facebook that was very critical of two “senior” judges at a recent show.

I understand that there is a social-media page that is used by people to rate dog-show judges. This person’s post was critical and complained about the demeanor of a couple of the judges, stating that “they seemed grouchy, rude and other unpleasantries.” A few other negative nellies chimed in, stating that maybe it was time for the judges to retire. 

Without channeling Richard Nixon, let me be perfectly clear about two things:

• I am not here to protect my fellow judges, since they do not need me to do that.

• I don’t believe that a judge should ever be nasty or unwelcoming to any exhibitor.

However, saying that someone “seemed grouchy and rude” is certainly a perception that may not necessarily be true. But my friend called me to ask the question, “Just what do you want — an educated, knowledgeable opinion of your dog, or a touchy/feely experience?” Again, let me clear: I do not believe that a judge — or anyone — should ever be nasty and rude to an exhibitor, but often that is a personal perception and not fact.

Those who have read some of my articles know that I don’t believe all judges are equal. There are some judges who I think are not very good — and I fear that this hurts a breed and our community. But they are not in the majority. I certainly don’t agree with every placement made by other judges, but I recognize that we all have our own strengths and weaknesses — and, more importantly, different priorities. If we didn’t, we would only need one show a year.

What do judges owe to exhibitors? I believe we must always demonstrate knowledge and integrity. Judges should have a basic understanding of canine anatomy and how it affects a dog’s movement. I have seen exhibitors flex their immature internet muscles when they ask, “Does this judge even read the standard?” Whether or not I agree with other judges’ decisions, I have no doubt that they have read breed standards many more times than most exhibitors. Judges have gone through many educational steps — and tests — to be approved to judge each breed.

I remember attending a breed seminar for a breed I was studying that included judges and breeders (an unusual situation). Seeing the blank stares on the faces of some of the supposed breeders in the room, the breed presenter asked me to go to the board and explain what shoulder layback and angulation were. Many in the room asked questions that indicated they had not understood these very important parts of canine anatomy before. How, exactly, had they been choosing the dog or bitch to use for breeding?

We should know and really understand how structure and movement fit with the dog’s breed purpose. More than knowing — or memorizing — the breed standard, a good judge will know the nuances of a breed. What difference does that make? I have quoted a very good judge who has lamented that too many judges “step over a great dog to put up a good dog.”

I still believe that the most important thing a judge can bring to the ring is integrity. I don’t think this can be taught or learned. It is inside us, and also requires confidence in our own knowledge of the breed being judged so that we really don’t care what anyone else puts up or the advertising budget behind a specific dog. There are some who obviously want to show their dogs on the internet because they continue to ask, “Which end of the lead does (the judge) look at?” I wonder which end THEY are looking at. Believe it or not, sometimes the professional handler might indeed be showing the best dog, or the ranked dog might be worthy of that status. Do those who do the complaining ever look down the lead at the dog that is competing against theirs? 

What should a judge realistically expect of those exhibiting? Be on time! Although I don’t think it is the most important thing, judges are expected to move along in a timely manner, and their timing affects when groups start and when the show ends. When a steward calls an armband number three times, and the person wearing that number is standing ringside having a conversation, is it any wonder the judge may raise his voice to call the number, or move on without you?

Pay attention! Most judges use the same ring procedure all the time. When I have used the same gaiting procedure for half the day, and you walk in and ask me, “Should I go down and back,” do I have the right to be a little frustrated? 

I hope that those who have shown their dogs to me realize that I love being in the ring with you and your dogs, and I try to be as pleasant as I can, and to have your time in my ring be enjoyable. I have been in your position thousands of times, so I understand and appreciate what it takes to get a dog ready, the money it takes, and how much of your heart is invested in your dog, but my job is to find the best dog — to indicate which breeding stock I believe is heading in the right direction. I have a responsibility to the breed to find the best dog, no matter who is at the other end of the lead. I take that responsibility very seriously. 

I became a member of this community more than 60 years ago, and have had the privilege of showing to some very excellent judges (and some not so good). Not all the icons were the warm-and-fuzzy-feeling type, but I would always bring a dog to them for their opinion; Alva Rosenberg, Bill Kendrick, Ann Rogers Clark, Bob and Jane Forsyth, Winnie Heckman and others would always get an entry from me whether they smiled or not. Sometimes, I would even stay late and talk to them — one on one — about my dog. I learned a lot from them. I won and I lost, but I would always show to them instead of some know-nothing who smiled all the time and pointed to the wrong dog.

So, what do you want? Would you rather have the opinion of judges who have dedicated 25- plus years to studying and knowing the breeds before them — but some may be a little achy and cranky — or a judge who has been approved for a whole group in a matter of two or three years and is now practicing on your dog while you pay the entry fee? Do you want just a warm and fuzzy feeling by someone who doesn’t have a clue about your breed — or someone who can give you true insight into your breed, but may be hurting and is less than bubbly? Ideally, we all want to enjoy our time in a warm and fuzzy ring, but if I had to choose, I want the knowledgeable opinion. 

Thankfully, we still have exhibitors — professional or not — who appreciate a good job. Consider these two posts in answer to the ones who complained about a couple of senior judges:

People seem to forget that dog shows are for evaluation of breeding stock. Not a Miss Congeniality contest. The two judges referred to have been very experienced dog breeders and judges over a long period. They know their job. They know their breed standards. They know more than most new judges will have forgotten. You may not agree with their opinion or procedures; that's your opinion, don't go back to them. AKC prefers they don't socialize with exhibitors. People have used this platform to really whine that their feelings were hurt. I was taught you don't question the judge’s opinion. Smile, accept the ribbon gracefully, say thank you. And remember there is another show tomorrow. Don't write these two judges off. They are an excellent resource of information and guidance.

And …

Thank you to all the great judges who just judge dogs accordingly as per breed standards. You are the saviors that keep the sport going.

What do you think?